NCC returning to Gridley

Tuesday

Jun 24, 2014 at 11:30 PM

Corey Roberts

Nor Cal Combat is on its way back to Gridley for the promotion’s ninth showing. The Orsua-Byrne promotion returns to Jake’s Pavilion on July 12 after a brief hiatus, and it should be a night to remember!

The promotion’s last event took place in October of last year and was held in Orland. The ninth showing was originally scheduled to be held in Chico in March, but with both promoters (Brannon Byrne and John Orsua) being head wrestling coaches of their respective town’s high school they were unable to completely focus on putting together an event that they felt fans deserved.

Adam Sharrock, NCC’s spokesperson, says the decision to move the promotion back to Gridley had a lot to do with having several local fighters on the card.

“We had a ton of Gridley fighters and we wanted to showcase their talents in front of their home crowd,” said Sharrock.

“Orland had a good turnout but our central hub has always been Gridley,” he said, “and it's been far too long since we've had a fight at Jake's. Chico is still in the planning stages and we are planning to have a show there some time this year, but for the moment we're totally focused on Gridley.”

Headlining the event will be Johnny Terry. A hometown hero to many, Terry earned the Nor Cal Combat flyweight title at NCC 7 in August of last year after several fighters bailed from their match with him. Then in October at NCC 8 in Orland, Terry officially became the undisputed titleholder after taking out title contender Anthony Torres by submission in the third round. Now, Terry will defend his title against Jesse Davis in a match that Sharrock is certain will draw a crowd.

Another local, Michael Torres, returns to NCC action after a strong showing in Orland. Torres will fight Lance LaPlant, a MMA newcomer.

“Mike's last fight ended in a draw, so he's looking to avenge that with a W,” said Sharrock.

Thomas Graham and Chip Crawford round out the local fighters. Graham is set to fight Kristen Costa of Yuba City. Both Graham and Costa have three fights under their belts. Graham sports a 2-1 record, while Costa has been flawless in all three of his matches. This fight will definitely be one full of heavy hits! Crawford will make his NCC debut against Martin Austin, who is also a rookie fighter.

NCC’s female fight consists of Gabriela Rios taking on Brooke Mayo.

“Gabi has such a dedication to her craft and her passion shows it,” Sharrock said. “Brooke looks to be in incredible shape so we should see a classic fight.”

Like always, the night should be full of hard hitting amateur MMA action. Gates open at 6:30, while the fights are scheduled to begin at 7:30. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at the Butte County Fairground’s Box Office. Tickets are $35 for general admission and $50 for VIP.